EYC2013 informing at the Portugal Maior and Natalis Fairs

From 4-8 December, the European Year of Citizens 2013 had a presence at the Portugal Maior and Natalis Fairs in Lisbon, Portugal. Catering to citizens over 50 years of age, the Fairs were opportunities for professionals and consumers to discuss topics of specific interest to those over 50+ in seminars, workshops and conferences, including the future of Europe for the ageing population.

The Natalis and Portugal Maior fairs were interactive spaces for discussion about opportunities and challenges for more senior citizens, and sharing of experiences. The European Commission Representation in Portugal and the European Parliament tended to the European Year of Citizens stand, through which 20,000 visitors passed. Visitors were encouraged to take information with them about their rights, as well as ask questions that they had about their EU citizenship.

Under the motto "It’s about Europe, it’s about you", the involvement in these Fairs capped off a European Year in Portugal celebrating EU citizenship and the EU rights that give citizens extra rights alongside their national rights. This European Year challenges citizens to join in discussions on European topics that concern them, in order to become more active citizens, particularly in the lead-up to the 2014 European Elections.